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August 2, 2018
By Ed Byrne The Brillion News
FOREST JUNCTION – It was an emotion-packed beginning for a day-long memorial to men and women in the police, fire and emergency medical services in Wisconsin who left for work and never came back home.
The American Tribute Ride began at the Forest Junction Fire Station, where ladder trucks from the Brillion and Chilton fire departments shared the honors and held a huge American flag that flowed in the breeze.
The opening ceremonies included a short speech by Brillion Police Chief Jo Ann Mignon, representing Concerns of Police Survivors of Wisconsin. She is president of the organization.
Greg Van Thiel, of Holy Family Parish in Brillion, is studying for ordination to the diaconate, and he led the group in prayer. It included a long pause for reflection on the public safety personnel suffering line of duty deaths in Wisconsin in the 12 prior months.
“Let’s empty our minds and hearts of any concerns, any anxieties, and let’s fill our minds and heart with the love of Jesus Christ,” Van Thiel said. “We thank you for the men and women who serve us … We ask for safety for all of our firefighters, for our police force, and for all of the tasks they do.”
Before the parade of motorcycles fired up, riders released dozens of helium-filled balloons.
Please see the complete story in the August 2, 2018 edition of The Brillion News.